Get your race mojo on and show up at Brighton Resort next weekend for the annual Powder Keg. This is one of the best races of the season and one of the longest running events in U.S. skimo racing. After a lengthy stint over at Alta it almost went MIA until Chad and the folks at Brighton stepped up and saved the race from extinction. They have a great crew of volunteers and put on a quality event. Clearly, they've kicked it up a notch this year with the addition of the Sprint event on Friday and the Technical Teams race on Sunday. They're gettin' all Euro on us! This can only serve to grow the sport.

This from the promotors....

The 11th annual Wasatch Powder Keg backcountry race will be held on March 8, 9, and 10 at Brighton Ski Resort. The Powder Keg is a test of speed, strength, and endurance for any backcountry skier. This year will feature 3 races and racers have the option of doing any individual race or all 3 races.

Friday will be a Sprint race followed by the mandatory pre-race meeting for the Saturday and Sunday races.

Saturday will be the traditional Powder Keg race. As always, the race will have captivating views of Heber Valley, Mt Nebo, Mt Timpanogos, and the Cottonwood Canyons. The race and heavy metal divisions will cover 11 miles and have 6 climbs for a little over 6,000’ of climbing. Any racer with a ski/binding weight of 1,450g (51oz) or less, must race the Race division. The Recreational division will cover 6.5 miles and have 4 climbs for 3,500’ of climbing. All divisions will have categories for male/female.

Sunday will be a technical teams race (teams of 2). The course will be similar to the Powder Keg course with additional climbs and 1 or 2 technical roped sections requiring racers to user some combination of harness, crampons, ascenders, and via ferrata kit. The technical teams race will have 1 division with categories for male/female.

There will be a BBQ, awards ceremony, and raffle following the Saturday and Sunday races at the Milly Chalet. For registration or more details see www.wasatchpowderkeg.com.